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<i>PCWorld</i> Ranks Top Tech-Friendly U.S. Airports & Airlines

byElissa Garay
|
December 20, 2011

technologyflight

DFW_resized / Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

PCWorld recently published a list of the "Top 20 Airports for Tech Travelers," marking the first time such a comprehensive analysis of domestic airport and airline technology has been published. Research for the piece involved canvassing the 40 busiest U.S. airports and a staggering 3,300 gates to identify the industry's ultimate tech-friendly winners (and losers). Rankings were based on accessibility to electrical outlets, USB ports, and charging stations, as well as on airport Wi-Fi quality and cell reception. PCWorld also looked at individual domestic airlines for their own tech-friendly rankings, based on technological offerings at their gates, in their planes, and on their websites.

Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) took first place for the airports, thanks to its consistently high scores across all categories and longstanding commitment to meeting the needs of tech-oriented travelers. Overall, it seemed that Northern California reigned supreme as a region, with no fewer than three airports  Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and San Francisco International (SFO)  landing in the top 10. New Yorks JFK and LGA airports, Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Baltimore (BWI) rounded out the top 10 slots.

Denver (DEN) came in on the tail end of the list with the lowest marks, due to an inadequate number of airport electrical outlets and USB ports, along with slow Wi-Fi and cellular services.

Delta reigned supreme for domestic airlines, thanks to recent upgrades at 20 of its airports that have provided charging stations, as well as iPad installations at New York City airports (with Minneapolis-St. Paul soon to follow), a savvy travel app, a strong social media presence, and onboard Wi-Fi on many of its domestic aircraft. JetBlue ranked lowest on the list for its mediocre tech amenities, low-rated mobile app, and its lack of Wi-Fi-equipped planes or mobile check-in options.